France to Expand Nuclear Air Base & Order More Rafale Jets

“The World Is Ever More Dangerous—We Must Bulk Up & Innovate” – Macron

French President Announces €1.5 Billion Investment in Luxeuil Air Base Amid Rising Security Threats

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🔹 France to Strengthen Its Nuclear Deterrence Program

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a major boost to the country’s military capabilities, pledging €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) to modernize Luxeuil-les-Bains Air Base and accelerate orders for additional Rafale fighter jets.

🔹 The Luxeuil Air Base will be equipped with cutting-edge nuclear missile technology
🔹 France will deploy next-generation ASN4G hypersonic nuclear-armed cruise missiles by 2035
🔹 New Rafale S5 jets will replace older Mirage jets, some of which have been transferred to Ukraine

Macron’s announcement underscores France’s push for military autonomy amid increasing global tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and growing uncertainty over U.S. commitment to European defense under Donald Trump.

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🔹 Macron: “We Must Be More Autonomous”

Speaking to French soldiers at Luxeuil Air Base, Macron justified the increased military spending, emphasizing the rising global threats and the need for a self-sufficient Europe.

🗣️ “We haven’t waited for 2022 or the turning point we’re seeing right now to realize that the world is ever more dangerous, ever more uncertain,” Macron said.
🗣️ “That means we must innovate, bulk up, and become more autonomous.”

He also hinted at further investments in France’s defense sector in the coming weeks.

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🔹 Increased Defense Spending Amid Growing Threats

Macron has already doubled France’s defense budget during his presidency, and now proposes increasing spending to 3-3.5% of GDP, up from the current 2%.

📌 Key Defense Priorities:
✔️ Strengthening France’s nuclear deterrent capabilities
✔️ Boosting European defense independence
✔️ Modernizing air force infrastructure with new technology

Additionally, Macron has offered to extend France’s nuclear umbrella to other European nations, positioning the country as a key security provider in the region.

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🔹 How Will France Fund This Military Expansion?

The €1.5 billion investment in Luxeuil Air Base is part of an already approved multi-year military spending plan. However, with France trying to cut its budget deficit, questions remain about how the government will finance a major expansion in defense spending.

This announcement also coincides with Germany’s parliament approving a historic increase in military spending, highlighting a broader shift in European security policy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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🔹 What’s Next?

🚀 Upcoming Developments to Watch:
✔️ Further military investment announcements from Macron
✔️ Details on additional Rafale jet orders
✔️ Reactions from European allies on France’s nuclear umbrella proposal

With France taking decisive steps to bolster its military capabilities, Europe’s defense landscape is set for significant transformation.